Seoul calls for high-level talks with North Korea

South Korea on Monday proposed high-level talks with rival North Korea next week to discuss resuming reunions of Korean War-divided families, a proposal that could lead to the easing of tensions after months of North Korean missile tests and heated rhetoric from both countries, AP reported.

The South Korean Unification Ministry said in a statement that it suggested meeting Aug. 19 on the North Korean side of the truce border village of Panmunjom. There was no immediate response from Pyongyang.
The ministry said it hoped to focus on possible family reunions over Chuseok, a major holiday celebrated in both countries that falls on Sept. 8. It also wants to discuss other issues of mutual interest.